Most parents already know music makes their kids happy. But its reach could last a lifetime, according to Mark George, president and CEO of the Music Institute of Chicago and a fellow parent.
“An education in music is so important to the development of children. I don’t mean just the so-called ‘talented’ children, but for absolutely everyone. It’s something they engage with; if they engage in it early, it’s something they’ll carry with them and enjoy and share, literally, for the rest of their lives.”
To help get you started, the Music Institute of Chicago is throwing open the doors of its Nichols Concert Hall (1490 Chicago Ave. in Evanston) on March 19.
Families with younger children will be most interested in the 9 a.m. instrument petting zoo and chat with MIC faculty and the 10 a.m. family concert. The petting zoo is free and concert tickets are $10 per family. Middle-schoolers and up especially will enjoy the 2 p.m. performance, and young musicians will like the 7 p.m. middle school band performance. event listing for complete schedule.
Art therapists will also be on hand so parents of children with special needs will enjoy the day, too. “Our goal is to make music accessible to absolutely every person,” George says.
